TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN

Sterile Feral Foundation practices the “Trap-Neuter-Return” method of feral (wild) cat population control.  Thank you for considering becoming a Colony Manager.  Following is information that will help you understand the Program and get you started as a Colony Manager.

FERAL COLONIES

Feral cats come from un-sterilized, free-roaming, domestic cats.  These cats form colonies around food sources such as garbage cans, restaurants, dumpsters, and grain bins.  Mothers teach their kittens to be wary of humans, and they then become feral (wild).  Among the colony may be some tame (or stray) cats that have been lost or abandoned.  The best way to control over-population is through a Trap-Neuter-Return Program.

TRAPPING

You may be able to catch and place the tamer cats in a cat carrier for transport to the veterinary clinic for sterilization.  However, you will need to use humane traps to capture wilder cats.  Humane traps can be purchased at various farm supply stores, or you may be able to borrow traps from farmers, animal control, or animal shelters in your area.  Sterile Feral also has a loaner trap program.  A deposit is required to borrow traps from Sterile Feral and the traps must be returned within two weeks.

RESPONSIBITIES OF COLONY MANAGERS

·         Read the information.

·         Complete the Colony Manager form.  Return it to Sterile Feral in the envelop provided.

·         Authorization for Veterinary Services form(s) will be sent to you by Sterile Feral.  The veterinary clinics require these forms before any services are rendered. 

·         Plan your trapping activity.

·         Once Authorization for Veterinary Services forms are received, make veterinary appointments at one of the vets that participate in our program.  Call for an appointment several days in advance of the day you plan to trap. (See reverse side for listing of veterinary clinics.)  NEVER trap without having scheduled a veterinary appointment and the necessary forms first.

·         Follow the enclosed Humane Trapping Instructions for Feral Cats in trapping.  After trapping, completely cover the trap with a sheet, towel or blanket before moving the trap to a safe place such as a basement, garage, or screened porch. 

·         Transport the cat(s) to the veterinary clinic for 8 AM the day of the appointment.  Cats must be in traps or carriers, only 1 cat per carrier.

·         Cats will be sterilized and receive vaccinations according to age, including rabies.  Colony Managers may request additional veterinary services, but will be required to pay the cost of those services the day of the appointment. 

·         Pick up the cat(s) the same day before the veterinary clinic closes. 

·         Follow the enclosed Surgery Recovery Instructions.  Release the cat(s) as indicated.

Sterile Feral does not provide neutering services for pets.  We focus strictly on feral cats and are supported only by private donations.  Any donations to help offset the veterinary expenses will be greatly appreciated. 

Additional information regarding feral cats is available through Alley Cat Allies at www.alleycat.org.